Staking His Claim (Line of Duty #5)(15)

Hayden smiled warmly. “Lucy.”

They hesitated, then hugged a little awkwardly. “Sorry to bring you all the way out here.”

“Not a problem. Brent had to work a late shift tonight, so I was just catching up on some paperwork. Anyway, I’ve been told to expect the unexpected with you.”

When Hayden popped the trunk, Lucy heaved her suitcase inside, ignoring the sting that came along with the good-natured remark. “It’s true. I like to keep everyone on their toes.”

Seconds later, they pulled into traffic and were heading uptown. After living in Syracuse so long, being in Manhattan felt like she’d landed on a different planet. Lights, sounds, rumbling, shouting, movement. It didn’t make her nervous, though. Anticipation and a curl excitement filled a little bit of the hole the afternoon had left inside her, but not nearly enough to forget Matt’s face as she walked away. Think of something else.

“So, Hayden. If you don’t mind me asking…?”

“Fire away.”

“How did my brother manage to land you?”

Hayden’s laugh bounced around the interior of the car. “I assure you, I landed him.”

Lucy considered the brunette, heard the sincerity ringing in her voice, and nodded. “Nice pull, Brent,” she murmured, staring back through the windshield.

“Since we’re asking questions,” Hayden began hesitantly, “do you want to tell me why Matt dropped you off in the wrong place? That’s not like him. He’s normally very…regimented.”

Something about the car’s dark interior and the exhaustion that suddenly came over her had tears threatening behind Lucy’s eyes. The need to unburden herself, if just partially, couldn’t be denied. “I screwed up,” she whispered. “Matt didn’t do anything wrong.”

Hayden didn’t say anything for a moment. “Do you want to tell me about it?”

Lucy could only shake her head. When Hayden turned off Riverside Drive and coasted to a stop in front of a town house, Lucy glanced at her questioningly. “Where are we?”

“This is my place.” She sounded almost embarrassed over that fact, but Lucy couldn’t fathom why. “For another couple weeks, anyway. I’m handing over the keys to the new owner in July when I permanently move in with Brent.” Her face flushed a little. “When I thought you were bringing a friend along for the week, I thought you could make use of it. You know, two single girls in Manhattan, so close to the action…”

For a girl who grew up sharing everything with two gigantic older brothers, then stuffed into a dorm, followed by a tiny two-bedroom for the last six years, the very idea floored her. She just barely resisted the urge to cabbage patch. “Me? This place?”

“That was the idea, but now that you’re solo—”

“Even better. I don’t have to wear pants.”

Hayden nodded sagely. “There is that.”

Lucy pushed the passenger-side door open and stood, staring up at the town house. Hayden rounded the car to stand beside her. “Thanks, Hayden. I really appreciate this.”

“Sure.” She shifted in her high heels. “I hope it doesn’t seem like we don’t want you with us in Queens. Brent wasn’t exactly thrilled when I suggested this. He was looking forward to having his sister around.”

Something lodged in Lucy’s throat. “Really?” she managed.

Bafflement transformed Hayden’s features. “Of course.”

What would he think if he knew you’d duped his best friend into sleeping with you?

With that disturbing thought ringing in her head, Lucy busied herself removing her suitcase from the trunk. Hayden put a hand on her wrist to stop her. “Wait. I figured you would stay with us, at least for tonight. You probably haven’t even eaten—”

“Really, I’m just exhausted. I wouldn’t be good company.” Lucy kept her smile in place, but it felt like it might crack at any moment. “I can order takeout or something. Don’t worry about me.”

Hayden looked dubious, but stepped back. “I guess we’ll see you tomorrow night, no matter what, right?”

Lucy pulled the handle up on her suitcase. “Tomorrow night?”

“Brent didn’t tell you?” At Lucy’s blank expression, she sighed. “My parents are throwing us an engagement party at their place, which is actually right around the corner from here. It’s going to be small. Mostly just family and a few close friends.” She twisted her engagement ring on her finger. “You’ll come, won’t you?”

Close friends. Oh God, would Matt be there? The blood in Lucy’s veins froze, but she couldn’t deny a tiny flip in her stomach that she would see him again, no matter the circumstances. Proving she needed a psychiatric evaluation stat. There was no way she could avoid her brother’s engagement party, though. She no longer had school as an excuse. Hayden stood there, watching her expectantly, raising a perfectly plucked eyebrow when Lucy stayed silent far too long. Obviously, she would have to go and pray Matt didn’t attend. Or…hide when he did?

The live studio audience in her head broke into laughter, at her expense.

She cleared her throat. “Wouldn’t miss it.”





Chapter Six